The Whole Truth...

Those who know me well know that this is my all time favorite painting.  It has been since the moment I first saw it.  For that is me lying there in that makeshift tent and that is my Savior beckoning me to come out and be whole.

Wilt thou be made whole?

This question recently penetrated my heart in a way I had never before felt.

Wilt thou be made whole?

The Savior's atoning sacrifice offers wholeness--COMPLETE WHOLENESS--as soon as we are ready to receive it.

This past year I've been on a journey of receiving, and now I walk in a state of joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.

I still have tests, trials and difficult moments but the clarity that accompanies those moments is priceless.

I have truly been made whole through my Savior Jesus Christ. 

He now beckons me to come out and share my story.

I'll take his hand and try.

Rise and Walk...

(Problem solved.  Now the baby bun isn't possible)

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? ~Matthew 7:8-11

When I received my gift of clarity and truth in the temple, this scripture came to my mind.  I marveled at how glorious our Heavenly Father's gifts to us can be.  

Upon returning from the temple I rejoiced in the gift and glowed all day.

But we are living in a fallen world, a world filled with deception, and I on occasion have had to be reminded of my gift.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.~John 5: 6,8

I have come to understand that healing takes place through belief and action.  The scriptures tell us that our faith will make us whole.

Our faith in God's love and our faith in His words will make us whole.  The Lord speaks truth, His promises are sure, but it is up to us to receive that truth.

If the Lord says to me "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And I begin to doubt and lean unto the understanding of man, I will fall back down, giving power to my infirmity.

When He asks, "Wilt thou be made whole?"  He is giving me the opportunity to be made whole through His power, but I have to receive it.  I have to accept the gift or it is made void.

The gift I received in the temple has not made me perfect, but it has provided an escape route back to wholeness when I begin to stumble.  When I am drawn into the deception of this world the words of my gift come back to my mind, "You will see yourself only through the eyes of truth.."

And...

I take up my bed and walk.

Lessons From a Haircut...

 

 (I cut my hair because I'm always pulling it up--but old habits die hard. Now I just have a baby bun instead.  Silly child.)

 

 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. ~Matthew 5:8

This is one of my favorite scriptures.  The attribute I most desire to master in my life.  I want to be pure in heart so I can see God.

I want to "see" Him in myself so I will walk with boldness and strength.

I want to "see" Him in others so I will love unconditionally and never judge.

I want to "see" Him in everything so that I will know that all is designed for my profit and learning.

Going to the temple is the perfect gauge for me to discover how I'm doing in the pure in heart department.  I study my mind wanderings to see where my heart lies at the time.

While attending the temple on Saturday my mind kept wandering to the thought that I had just chopped all of my hair off.  "Why did I chop off my hair?"  The question plagued me, pulling me away from the peace and light that surrounded me.  "Who cares?!" I'd tell myself.  "This is your time to be instructed by the Lord."

"I wish I hadn't done that."

"That was dumb of me."

"Really, what was I thinking?"

On and on it went.  Pulling me away.  Blocking my peace.  "Father please forgive me."  I'd pray.  "My heart is truly set too much on the things of this world.  Please forgive me and help me rejoice in your light."

After much prayer and much humility the answer came, penetrating my heart and making me weep. "You will only see yourself through the eyes of truth from this day forward."

What?  I could scarcely believe it.

"You will be blessed to only see yourself through the eyes of truth."  I heard it again.

I was overcome with joy and asked if I could also see others only through the eyes of truth.

And guess what...

Everyone is SO BEAUTIFUL!